SE:UM - Korean Folk meets Western Jazz
Vashon Center for the Arts
Wednesday, May 1 • 7:30pm

Jazz lovers and world music enthusiasts will be equally enthralled when they step into the unique world of SE:UM. This powerhouse quintet of Western jazz and Korean folk music virtuosos use traditional Korean percussion and stringed instruments (like the gayageum and janggu) alongside traditional jazz instruments like sax, trumpet, and bass to create boundary-breaking music that dismantles barriers between genres to craft a unique musical tapestry.

SE:UM has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Korea after their debut album, earning nominations for Best Crossover Album and Best Jazz & Crossover Performance at the Korea Music Awards in 2015. Recognized as a Choice Artist by prominent international performing arts markets like PAMS and APaMM, their captivating stage presence enchanted audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, earning an outstanding five-star review. Venturing across continents, SE:UM has broken musical barriers, diving into diverse collaborations that redefine innovation in music.

SE:UM is led by award-winning Joon Lee (gayageum, Korean percussion, music director), Jaeha Lee (contrabass & electric bass), Jongsang Park (trumpet, flugelhorn), Minhyung Lee (Korean percussion, voice), and Hachul Song (alto & soprano saxophones)

“Bringing jazz and Korean traditions together, SE: UM has found the perfect recipe in their atmospheric show…. The artistry of the instruments playing is astounding; from saxophone to traditional stringed instrument gayageum, these musicians know how to manipulate the audience’s emotions.” — Broadway Baby